SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – We have a new Olympian Skateboarder in Sarasota, and the Suncoast is celebrating.
“It feels amazing, I can’t believe we’ve had this big of a turnout,” Ilardi said.
Friday night, more than 100 people came out to The Compound, a skate shop, to support Ilardi’s success of going professional and qualifying for the 2021 Summer Olympics.
“It makes my heart heavy in a good way, watching the kid like that grow up and do everything that he’s doing, it’s unbelievable,” Sarasota resident, Jakki Clarke said. “So proud of him, couldn’t be more proud.”
“We can’t wait, we know he’s going to succeed,” Sarasota resident, Michele Reopell said. “It’s awesome to have somebody homegrown make it this far.”
It all began in Sarasota when Ilardi bought his first skateboard at the Compound.
“The drive was there from day one, the kid was motivated like more than any kid I’ve seen,” Compound Owner, Jacob Shields said. “He just went after it hard, worked his butt off, and it’s pretty impressive to see what he’s done.”
The Compound even sponsored him at some competitions. And since Ilardi went pro with Blind skateboards last November, people can purchase his board. Many stood in line, from kids to adults, to get their skateboards signed.
“I actually got him to sign it inside before he actually started signing, so it was really dope talking to him,” Venice resident, Jordan Cortez said.
Some even came with their arms tattooed matching the logo of Ilardi’s board.
“To get your own board is very significant, now I’m getting paid, and people can buy my board, and I’ll make money off of it,” Ilardi said. “It’s a pretty significant thing, I’ve wanted it, ever since I was a little kid and that dream has finally come true and I can’t be more happier.”
With all the smiling faces, you could tell many were honored and proud to see Jake make it to the big leagues.
“I love that he’s going to the Olympics and representing America, and we’re happy, we’re stoked for him,” Venice resident, Victor Cortez said. “We hope he does really well.”
“Jake is going to take home the gold,” Reopell said.
We wish you all the best, Jake!